With the current $8 million/year extension to Phil Kessel the Leafs have $42 million committed to 11 players for next season. They have several players who will be UFA's Bolland, Kulemin, McClement, Raymond, Bodie, Frasier, and Rangers as well as Gardiner, Franson, Reimer, Devane, and Ashton. The biggest UFA on the list is easily Dion Phaneuf.

The question is what do you think will be the Leafs plan moving forward. Specifically, what kind of deal do you see coming for Dion Phaneuf??

Defensive miscues aside, he's one of the better offensive dmen in the league, and has produced at a fairly consistent .5 PPG over his career. He also plays 25+ minutes a game, and is a physical presence. He's only 28, so he has a lot of good years left in him. While his current 6.5 per year might be a bit rich (although as a UFA he might get it), Phaneuf is worth no less than 5-5.5M per year. He'll probably want a long term lockup as well, 8 years like Kessel.

The Leafs are in a bit of a bind with him - you can't decide to pay market (or better) to Clarkson, Bozak, Kessel, and then ask Phaneuf to take a hometown discount. Or rather, you can - but be prepared to lose him.